Understanding Betrayal Trauma: Why It Hurts So Deeply and How to Begin Healing
Understanding Betrayal Trauma: Why It Hurts So Deeply and How to Begin Healing As a therapist who works closely with individuals and couples navigating trauma, I can tell you—few wounds cut as deep as betrayal trauma. Whether it’s discovering infidelity in a relationship, uncovering years of deception, or recognizing that someone you trusted has violated […]
Why Communication Isn’t the Problem
Why Communication Isn’t the Problem—It’s What You’re Avoiding When couples come into therapy, one of the most common things they say is, “We just need to work on our communication.” And while it’s true that healthy communication is essential in any relationship, “communication issues” are rarely the core problem. More often, what’s being labeled as […]
Navigating a Romantic Relationship with a Narcissist: Insights and Strategies
Navigating a Romantic Relationship with a Narcissist: Insights and Strategies Romantic relationships thrive on mutual respect, empathy, and compromise. But when one partner exhibits narcissistic traits, these foundational elements can feel elusive. Navigating a relationship with a narcissist requires awareness, strong boundaries, and a commitment to your emotional well-being. Here, we delve into the dynamics […]
Emotional Manipulation: What It Looks Like and How to Handle It
EMOTIONAL MANIPULATION: WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE AND HOW TO HANDLE IT Emotional manipulation is one type of emotional abuse where the perpetrator seeks to emotionally control, exploit, or influence the victim in a way that gives them an advantage. This behavior commonly takes place in abusive and toxic relationships, and it may be the only […]
Does Your Partner Know Their Behavior Is Abusive?
Does Your Partner Know Their Behavior Is Abusive? Even if they don’t, that doesn’t excuse their behavior. It is easy to look at someone who has bruises inflicted by their partners and surmise that they are being abused in their relationship. There is an obvious sign prompting friends, family, and therapists to ask, “Is everything […]
Tough Truths About Relationships
Tough Truths About Relationships Let’s talk about some tough truths when it comes to long-term relationships. Our culture presents a skewed set of expectations. We are told that “true” love is a feeling that should last. But love is work. There will be times when you’ll feel disconnected. You’ll wonder if there is someone better […]
Living With Unresolved Trauma
Living With Unresolved Trauma Living with unresolved trauma can result in a relationship that isn’t happy or healthy. You may think you have “dealt with it,” when what is really happening is that your behavior is being driven by what has happened to you. Trauma is unique to each and every one of us. None […]
Are You Embarrassed to Tell Your Therapist Something?
Are You Embarrassed to Tell Your Therapist Something? If you’ve ever been embarrassed to tell your therapist something, let me remind you of something: chances are, I’ve heard it MANY times before. Here are 10 things that people have been afraid to tell me in therapy because they think it’s weird or embarrassing: 1. Anything […]
Gaslighting In My Relationship
Gaslighting In My Relationship Too often, clients come to therapy to find out if they are overreacting to their partner’s behavior. They tell me their partner says things like, “It’s all in your head.” “I never said that.” “It was just a joke.” When your partner uses harmful phrases or twists words against you to […]
Did You Know Passive-Aggressive Behavior Goes Both Ways?
Did You Know Passive-Aggressive Behavior Goes Both Ways? It’s B-S Free Friday. Let’s talk about passive-aggressive behavior. Passive-aggressive behavior is when someone indirectly expressive negative feelings about a situation instead of just saying how they feel. Often, this is because they are fearful. They’re fearful of losing control, they are insecure, or they have low […]